BLUE CARE POSITION DESCRIPTION

Blue Care is one of Australia’s leading providers of residential aged and community care, and retirement living. Supporting people to remain as independent as possible is our passion. Our network of 260 centres across Queensland and northern New South Wales supports the care choices of older people, people with a disability and others in need.We are a not-for-profit organisation and part of UnitingCare Queensland, the health and community service provider of the UnitingChurch.

POSITION DETAILS:

Position Title:Personal Carer(Residential)

Employment Status:(Status - full time, part time etc.- and Instrument only. Hours and rates to be included in letter of offer. Consult your HRM re the relevant instrument.)

Reports to:Lists the title of the position(s) this role reports to.

Reporting to this position: N/A

Position Purpose:

To provide quality care based on assessed residents’needs that enhances and promotes quality of life, ensuring that care is consistent with the mission of Blue Care and current best practice.

Position Context:

This section to be completed by Service Manager/HR staff. If not required, type 'Not applicable' here.

QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE AND REQUIREMENTS:

Essential:

  • All Blue Care staff must satisfy the relevant probity checks required by legislation or policies.

Desirable:

  • Certificate 3 in Aged Care, Disability or Home and Community Care.
  • Demonstrated understanding of resident centred, residentialbased care services delivery, preferably for the frail aged, those with dementia and people with disabilities.
  • Light Rigid Drivers Licence, or willingness to obtain if required.
  • Demonstrated effective interpersonal and written communication skills, including basic computer skills (e.g. Microsoft Office Suite).
  • Experience working within a multidisciplinary team.
  • Current First Aid Certificate and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certificate or willingness to obtain if required.
  • Relevant vaccinations in line with Blue Care staff vaccination policy.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Key responsibilities/accountabilities of the position include some or all of the following:

  • Provide quality resident care under the supervision and direction as outlined in the Care Plan applicable to each individual resident, and in accordance with Blue Care policies and procedures.
  • Contribute to the development of residents’ care plans as required.
  • Observe and report promptly any changes or concerns in residents’ health, well-being or behaviour to the immediate supervisor.
  • Assist residentswith activities of daily living, hygiene (showering, toileting etc), dressing, grooming, mobility, eating and drinking as required and where skill competency has been achieved.
  • Assist residents to participate in programs and recreational related activities.
  • Assist residents to participate in the community by providing social support (attending appointments, letter writing etc) as required.
  • Assist clients with medications where delegated, within scope of practice and where skill competency has been achieved.
  • Safely transport individuals as required and approved in accordance with Blue Care vehicle operation requirements.
  • Assist with the orientation of new staff as required.
  • Undertake other duties as required/directed as service needs change or grow (consistent with the above, within thescope of the position and any applicable Duties List and any other legal or industrial obligations).

KEY CAPABILITIES

All Blue Care employees are also expected to demonstrate the following capabilities to a level commensurate with their position.

Leadership, Teamwork and Communication

  • Participate as an active member of the team in a manner consistent with Blue Care Directions, Values and Code of Conduct.
  • Work within the philosophy and framework of the Uniting Church.
  • Provide a high standard of customer service and establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients.
  • Act and communicate in a responsive, respectful and professional manner at all times when dealing with Blue Care staff and others.
  • Maintain confidentiality on all issues relating to Blue Care, clients and colleagues.

Organisational Sustainability

  • Work to agreed service delivery and budget targets.
  • Maintain and prepare records as required.
  • Use resources responsibly and dispose of waste in an efficient and effective manner.
  • Assist in the achievement of innovative service delivery by suggesting any identified opportunities.

Professional Development

  • Actively participate in orientation, training, meetings, workshops and ongoing learning activities as part of a knowledge and performance development process.

Continuous Quality Improvement and Compliance

  • Continuous improvement - Ensure quality services are delivered through:
  • continuous improvement systems, and
  • adherence to Blue Care organisational policies, procedures, administrative and documentation requirements.
  • Work Health and Safety – Ensure your own safety and the health and safety of others by following instructions and safe work practices provided with particular attention to the manual handling of clients and/or materials and using equipment, materials and facilities in a safe and responsible manner.
  • Model Towards ZEROharm behaviours by reporting incidents hazards and safety risks and participating in consultation on safety issues.
  • Risk Management- Identify and report all relevant risks according to the Blue Care Safety Risk Management Policy.

PERFORMANCE REVIEW AND DEVELOPMENT PROCESS:

In accordance with the Blue Care Performance, Review and Development process an initial review of performance will be undertaken within the probation period and then at least every 12 months, including a review of performance against this position description.

About Blue Care

Since it began in 1953, Blue Care has grown into one of Australia's leading providers of retirement living, and residential aged and community care.

Our network of 260 centres across Queensland and northern New South Wales supports the care choices of older people, people with a disability and others in need. Supporting people to remain independent as possible is our passion.

Our staff and volunteers provide care for more than 12,500 people every day through a wide range of services, including nursing, allied health, personal care, domestic assistance, respite, pastoral services and social support.

This support is offered to people in their homes, in the community, and in Blue Care’s centres, clinics, residential aged care facilities and retirement living villages.

The professional and compassionate care Blue Care delivers is only possible because of the calibre and team work of our 10,500+ staff and volunteers.

As a service of UnitingCare Queensland, Blue Care is committed to care services that express the Christian values of the Uniting Church, and focus on the physical, intellectual, emotional and spiritual needs of people we support, regardless of socio-economic, ethnic, religious or spiritual background.

While our services are partially funded by the Commonwealth and State Governments, the cost of care is substantially more than the funds provided, and Blue Care relies heavily on financial support from the community and our dedicated team of volunteers.

Our Vision

To be recognised as a national leader in the delivery of participatory care that promotes health and quality of life for clients and the community.

Our Mission

As part of UnitingCare Queensland, the mission of Blue Care is to improve the health and wellbeing of individuals, families and communities as we: Reach out to people in need; Speak out for fairness and justice; Care with compassion, innovation and wisdom.

Our Values

Compassion:Through our understanding and empathy for others we bring holistic care, hope and inspiration

Respect:We accept and honour diversity, uniqueness and the contribution of others

Justice:We commit to focus on the needs of the people we serve and to work for a fair, just and sustainable society

Working together:We value and appreciate the richness of individual contributions, partnerships and teamwork

Leading throughOur culture encourages innovation and supports learning.

Learning:

Personal Carer (Residential)

Position Approved by: Director Residential Services

Date last reviewed: Version 1, February 2012

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